Seldom Suppurate

Monday, November 7, 2011

It is convenient to describe untreated syphilis in three stages primary, secondary and tertiary. It must be realized, however, that the disease is generalized and continuous from the time of inoculation, and that it may be almost completely latent during its long course which may last for over 30 years. The primary lesion (chancre) develops at the site of inoculation. It occurs usually on the genitals, but it may be found on the lips, in the mouth, at the anus, or on a finger. The incubation period is 10 days to 10 weeks. Small lymph glands are enlarged, firm, painless, and seldom suppurate. The most common early rash is a faint macular erythematic which may only be perceptible in a good light. Later the rashes are characteristically polymorphic, symmetrical, of a dull red color and do not itch. The most common early rash is a faint macular erythematic may only be perceptible in a good light. Later the rashes are characteristically polymorphic, symmetrical of a dull red color and not itch.